Sweet Nothin's

(Dragon) boy meets (magic) girl ...

It was an ordinary day. The girls had met at their favorite place, a room suspended from reality and called "Randomness".

There were just the three that day, Saria, Rima, and Talia. They were chatting about Saria's exploits in Eorzea, and she opened the portal to let her companions from the war there through.

Alden came through first, followed by his brother, Kirito. Kirito sat in the corner chair with his ever present book, and Alden settled on the floor, leaning against the couch. Talia soon claimed Alden's lap, and the group continued to chat.

Rima laughed at Talia's leap on to Alden, and stayed on the couch with Saria, who was sorting through pictures on her phone. "Hey, Kirito, where's Daylen?" The Au Ra looked up from his book after a moment. "I think he's still at the tavern. Hey, lover boy, was he still there?"

"Mm?" Alden looked up. Talia was cradled in his lap, stroking the scales adorning his arms, "Uh, yeah, said he'd join us later."

Kirito chuckled, "There you are, Saria," and went back to his book. Saria shrugged and nudged Rima, "Here, look at this one."

She showed her a head shot of an imposing male. Red hair was swept back in a high ponytail, and he had a slight grin. Lavender eyes glittered, and Rima caught her breath. Who WAS that?

Saria grinned at her reaction, "Like him? he's our gunner. Blows things up." Rima smiled "What's he like?" She merely winked, "Guess you'll have to wait and find out."

Rima playfully pushed her friend, "Aw, give me some hints. He looks hot." Saria reflexively trailed a finger along her chin, "Hmm. He's tall. He's lazy. He chews toothpicks all the time for some reason. He treats me like a doll, although I could kick his ass anytime."

She giggled, "Saria, you could kick ANYONE'S ass, anytime. But if you're not going to tell, I'm going to get some popcorn."

Rima got up, and still giggling, went into the attached kitchen. There was some banging, and a loud crash, followed by, "Ok, what idiot stuck the popcorn on the very TOP shelf?"

Alden snickered and Talia shoved him, "That wasn't nice." He shrugged, "I can reach."

The portal glowed again, and Saria looked up, "Oh, hey, Daylen, come on in. We're about to have some popcorn."

He strode through the doorway, and leaned over to plant a kiss on top of her head. "Hello, poppet. Popcorn sounds good."

Talia glanced up, and blinked. Well, he certainly was tall. Daylen stepped carefully around Alden and sat beside Saria. "Who's the other small one?"

Without looking Alden swung a hand back and slapped his comrade's leg. "Talia. Friend of Saria's. Shut up." She popped up enough to wave at Daylen, "Hi!" before sliding back down.

Daylen merely smirked and took out a fresh toothpick. "Eh, pleasure to meet you, too."

Saria frowned at her phone, "Gods, why do I have so many pictures on here!" She sighed and leaned back. Daylen patted her head, "Aww, poor poppet. I know I used to cheer you up by bringing you new clothes." Saria sat up and glared. "And then try and dress me up! Daylen, I am NOT a doll!"

He chuckled, "But you did used to be tiny, and -"

He stopped. Rima stood in the doorway, a bowl of popcorn in her hand. "And no hogging the bowl-" she blinked and looked at Daylen. He stood, and walked to her. She tipped her head up as he approached, and took him in. Long and lithe, towering over her at nearly nine feet. With the coiled energy of a panther, he tipped his head down to see her, wide golden horns glinting as he did. In an uncharacteristically soft voice, he greeted her, "Hello."